NY State Min. Wage

Republicans in the State Senate forced through a measure on Monday that will gradually raise the minimum wage in New York State by $2 to $7.15 an hour by January 2007, overriding Gov. George E. Pataki's veto of the proposal.

The vote was a stinging rebuke to the governor from members of his own party. Mr. Pataki had argued that raising the minimum wage would put New York businesses at a competitive disadvantage. But in overriding the governor, Senate Republicans, who have been struggling to maintain a majority in their house, kept a pre-Election Day campaign promise.

The measure raises the state's current $5.15-an-hour minimum to $6 on Jan. 1, 2005; $6.75 on Jan. 1, 2006; and $7.15 on Jan. 1, 2007. It raises the hourly pay for the lowest wage earners, restaurant and bar employees who earn tips, to $4.60 from $3.30, an increase that will also be fully effective by Jan. 1, 2007. New York will join at least 14 other states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, in requiring that workers be paid more than the federal government's hourly minimum of $5.15.

"The increase will help the working families at the lowest income levels make ends meet, without putting an undue burden on small businesses and the economy," said Joseph L. Bruno, the Senate's majority leader. Returning to one of his favorite themes, Mr. Bruno said the higher wage would also help the working poor "realize the value and dignity of hard work."

Wow for once we have some decient Replubicans, Wait a minute did they keep a promise. OMG somebody slap me I must be dreaming.